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There was no way we were getting an easy run to close out the season was there? Something was always going to pop up as we headed toward the end of the home and away rounds. For Victoria it was being plunged back into a strict lockdown after a week of easing and good numbers, in Supercoach it began with Josh Kelly being a late out, a significant injury to Patrick Dangerfield, and then what looks like a suspension for Toby Greene. What a good way to start the weekend. Hmm. 

Of course, I allude there to the GWS v Geelong match on Friday night where the Giants took a surprising scalp, particularly considering the run they’ve had with injuries and outs. I’m not sure it was the prettiest of games, but they got the job done. While certain coaches were reeling with the Kelly and Danger issues almost immediately it was good Isaac Cumming (135), Tim Taranto (118), and Lachie Whitfield (107) all tonned up for their respective coaches. There weren’t too many highlights for the Cats, but Rhys Stanley (111), Tom Stewart (107), and Jed Bews (102) topped their scoring. 

I’m not sure if we call it an upset when a lower-placed team defeats Carlton but Gold Coast at least did. Touk Miller (155) again staring and showing he is something else amongst the rest of the 43 on-field. His teammate, Will Powell, also racked up a 153 and pleased over 2000 coaches. For the Blues, Nic Newman’s 126 was the only relevant high score in our Supercoach world, but has such low ownership (744 teams) that perhaps he’s not that relevant right now anyway. 

In perhaps one of the hardest games to watch all weekend the Tigers, a shell of themselves right now, managed to overcome the Kangaroos. In the end there were a few hundreds in this one with Jack Graham (154), Nick Vlastuin (123), and Liam Baker (122) for the Tigers. On the other side of the fence, Luke Davies-Uniacke (119), Aaron Hall (116), and Todd Goldstein (115) were the main contributors. 

In the Showdown Port Adelaide just got over the Crows, who competed well considering the week that’s been going on there. Paul Seedsman (120) and Rory Laird (119) managed some fine tons, while Allir Allir (126), Will Drew (126), and Dan Houston (116) led the Power numbers. 

To add to the already painful round for many coaches Callum Mills was a late out for the Swans. St Kilda seemed to take full advantage of that, and just a poor performance, to take the win in what has to be one of the great rollercoaster seasons of recent time. Jack Steele (155) was again magnificent and a definite VC or C option for any coach. And as Rhyder continues to be out Rowan Marshall made the most of it with a 126. Jake Lloyd (112) and Luke Parker (108) top scored for the Swans but the midfield was really missing this week. 

Clearly Alistair Clarkson is still the top coach in the league so having him finish up at Hawthorn at season’s end will do wonders for them. It all makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Umm. He’s certainly coaching well right now as the Hawks did a number over the Pies with Tom Mitchell in full-beastmode (150). Jack Scrimshaw (127) and Blake Hardwick (125) also brought the points for respective coaches too. On the other hand, the Pies really battled to score points at all and so we’re left with an underwhelming 107 from Brodie Grundy to deal with. 

In what might’ve been the game of the round the Dons knocked off the Bulldogs. Jackson Macrae (154), Marcus Bontempelli (123), and Tim English (123) led the Bulldogs numbers, and such a shame to see Josh Bruce do his ACL right towards the end of the game. But for the Dons it was two-metre-Peter Wright who put on a stunning forward performance with 7 goals and 146 SC points. Unsurprisingly, Zac Merret was in the mix with a 123 and Sam Draper a competitive 109. The fight for the eighth position is still on for the Dons! 

Brisbane trounced Fremantle and in doing so solidified their finals berth. Dayne Zorko led from the front with a 146, pulling along Harris Andrews (123) and Daniel Rich (122). For the Dockers Sean Darcy continued to top their scoring with a 120 and then Caleb Serong (115) the only other ton.  

To wrap up the round on Monday night the Dees did what was expected, although not without some competitive periods from the Eagles and a lightning storm that put a pause on the match for half an hour. While West Coast look to be giving away their finals spot to a team more competitive, Jack Redden (125), Elliott Yeo (117), and NicNat (107) did top tons for us. And for Melbourne it was Alex Neal-Bullen (138), James Harmes (123), and Christian Petracca (111) who topped scored and helped numerous coaches make it through to another stage of finals. 

As for me, the Kelly and Mills outs really killed my chances. In my only cash league where I had the double chance I’ve been done in straight sets. Disappointing. However, with so few coaches still in the hunt in finals I hope you’re one of them and looking to make your move this week to capture that GF spot! Till next week. 

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Death. Taxes. And another round where Dayne Zorko shows us the ceiling he’s capable of. All things true in life and Supercoach. 

For those wise enough to have the VC tag on him on Thursday night were well rewarded with a 174 becoming 348. And for anyone considering grabbing him now he comes at an elite premium cost, rightfully so. Brisbane romped it in against Geelong, which saw the likes of Daniel Rich, Oscar McInerney, and Joe Daniher get amongst the tons. For those who have held Daniher, in particular, their patience is paying off in his current run of form. Lachie Neale battled well after what looked like a serious shoulder injury as well. On the Cats front, Patrick Dangerfield’s 97 keeps him in the mix for our forward lines, especially as he is now under 500k. Expect the 8% ownership to rise significantly in the coming week or two. Joel Selwood was looking sore by the end of the match and Tom Stewart was held well in defence. There’s no need to panic, but it’s worth watching. 

The upset of the round became a talking point across the weekend. The Saints keeping the Tigers to 22 points was quite amazing really. Jack Steele’s 132 continues his great form this season, and Tommy Highmore makes more cash for his owners as well with a 91. Jayden Short nudged another 100 but everyone else really didn’t deliver what was expected of them. I feel for those who bought in Shai Bolton this week too. Ouch. 

Wasn’t it great to see Brodie Grundy back doing his thing? He topped the scoring against the Dockers with assistance from Steele Sidebottom (115) and Taylor Adams (110). Andrew Brayshaw had a good game with 110 for the Dockers, while Sean Darcy continued his decent ruck season with a 90. Those who had held Nat Fyfe through the bye rounds were unfortunately hit a blow with his late out. A watch and see for this week by the looks. 

North’s second win of the season against the hapless Suns provided plenty of high scores. Todd Goldstein helped his 8600 coaches with a 136. Ben Cunnington did it again for his owners and those who have decided to take the gamble on Jy Simpkin are reapingthe benefits with his 122. For the Suns, Touk Miller and Brandon Ellis. Enough said. 

Lance Franklin nearly won it for the Swans in that final quarter but the Power managed to get it in the end. However, those that do own Franklin helped themselves to a nice 130. Callum Mills continued his run of form and Luke Parker also shared in the points. Jake Lloyd had his most underwhelming game of the season with a 73, and those who have held Heeney really have made an error in judgement as his score of 57 dropped his price by $36.6k. Travis Boak and Dan Houston topped scored for Port and showed glimpses of their opening season form. 

Melbourne beat Essendon in a tight affair. The Dons top scorers were Zac Merrett with 147, then the usuals of Darcy Parish (121), Dyson Heppell (121), and Jordan Ridley (111). A number of teams may own all four of them, let alone one. Melbourne’s scores were okay. Nothing exceptional. And those of us who put the C on Max Gawn are surely now looking elsewhere as he has proved to be lackluster when sharing roles with young Jackson and being placed in the forward line to help their lack of tall options. 

The Hawks over the Giants was also surprising, perhaps more so embarrassing for GWS. Nevertheless they still provided plenty of points for us. Whether you own Lachie Whitfield (116), Josh Kelly (110), Tim Taranto (100), Callum Ward (98), Nick Haynes (94), Matt Flynn still (84) or Toby Greene (84) I’m sure there was something in there for you. For the Hawks, surely it’s only Tom Mitchell who continues to be relevant? He scored a helpful 118 for his owners and stays in consideration for that M8 position. But poor Jarman Impey coaches were dealt a blow after his training incident on Friday afternoon. There’s a trade decision to be made there. 

With an under-firing midfield the Eagles got done by the supremacy of the Bulldogs mids. Low scores by Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff, and Luke Shuey didn’t help any Eagles owners. Perhaps that only satisfied coaches with an Eagle in their team are those who have stuck with Nic Naitinui all season. Why this guy isn’t talked about more this season I’m not quite sure. He’s ranked as the second best ruck in SC now and while Grundy has been out for a few weeks he averages 113 and has not scored under 90 since round one! Then we turn to the Dogs and see the usuals yet again. Marcus Bontempelli with a monster 156, followed by Jackson Macrae (136) and Bailey Smith (123). 

The Blues did the job over the Crows. Jacob Weitering had a great 143, while it was good to see Sam Walsh nab a 131. Coaches who have held Walsh in his ups and downs this season would’ve been pleased, not to mention any Blues fan. Rory Laird and Tex Walker grabbed tons for the Crows too, but other than that the relevancy of everyone else may be hard to justify. 

It was finally good to get through the byes and have some ripping scores this week. There’s nothing quite like the peace of having 22 players named and playing is there? 

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What a fascinating round of football we had this weekend. Some winners, some losers, and some just straddling the fence unsure about it all. Of course, the big winner was Neale Daniher and his team raising much needed funds for motor-neurone disease. What a great cause and such an inspiration to see. Puts the weekly ups and downs of being a fantasy sports coach in perspective, don’t you think? 

On the field, however, there were some great games of football with plenty of close and competitive matches. There’s certainly a bit to reflect on so let’s just do that.

The Winners

Geelong. Hawthorn. Fremantle. Adelaide. West Coast. Collingwood. All winners who grab the four points, but what about us supercoaches? 

Ollie Wines has had a great run the last few weeks now and again he showed his value. He is owned by only 4% of coaches so makes a terrific POD option. You may have missed his 144 this week but he has a good ceiling and a pretty smooth run home. If he’s fit and firing then he’s worth the $570k. 

Jai Newcombe showed why Hawthorn picked him up in the mid-season draft. A 75 on debut was helpful for many, plus the added bonus of being a tasty $103k to bring in an elite premium. It looks like his role will help Tom Mitchell gain the points his owners so desperately want as well so there’s plenty to like about Newcombe.

Sean Darcy is probably not the R2 you’re looking at right now unless Brodie Grundy is out for longer than expected. But he put another great game together with a 140. Those 3000 coaches who have him will be very appreciative of his efforts. 

Josh Kelly, well, hello there. Finally his owners saw him reach the potential we know he has with a 147. His game was top-shelf and with the run that he’s got for the rest of the season he continues to be an appealing option to bring in at $577k. It should also be noted that Nick Haynes had his first game for a while and was back with a 118. For those looking for some risk and reward he’s still only $335k with plenty of potential. A sure winner this week. 

Other winners this week were Scott Pendlebury, who bought back form from his 2013-2016 years with the top score of the round (167). Dougal Howard (160) had one out of the box despite what went on there with the Saints, and Aaron Hall (141) continued his great run of form. And we can’t end the winners section without mentioning Riley Thrillthorpe and the points collected with his winning goal in the final moments of the game. 

The Losers

Port Adelaide. Sydney. Gold Coast. St Kilda. Richmond. Melbourne. There were a couple of upsets this weekend so some surprising losers, particularly Sydney, St Kilda (given the 360-0 head start Adelaide gave them), and Melbourne. And for us coaches it also meant a couple for our teams too. 

Ned Reeves hasn’t played a game yet and he has 22% ownership. He was the easy downgrade choice from Matt Flynn or other R3, particularly after he’d been named on Thursday night. But, alas! He was a late out and we didn’t get to see him. To make matters worse, Jonathan Ceglar had a good game and could keep him out. This will be causing some of us issues this coming weekend. 

Isaac Heeney and Jordan Impey underperformed this week. It seems the time has come to t move on Heeney inparticular, and for those who have the space or trades to move on Impey it might be worth the upgrade. Thankfully Heeney can wait a week given his bye round this weekend, but one to ponder in the coming days. 

For those who jumped on Jordan De Goey a few weeks back would’ve been pleased to see him playing sollid midfield minutes. However, given that he may be rubbed out it could also be time for him to go as well. 

Mitch Duncan has now had two games of lower than expected performances. Another mid-70 doesn’t really cut it and is now an interesting one for the 12% of coaches who have him. The same could be said for Steele Sidebottom. He put in his second-lowest score for the season and raises the question of whether coaches should add him to their forward line in coming weeks.

The In-Betweeners

North Melbourne and GWS. Yep, a draw sort of says it all doesn’t it. No definitive winner, no definitive loser, but sitting in that place in-between. 

Lachie Whitfield was much talked about coming off his bye, and he performed OK without knocking the socks off anyone. Those coaches who bought him in will need to continue to trust him as works his way back to the form we like to see. He still offers great reward at $504k but it could go either way. 

James Jordon would’ve been an easy offload this week, and in reality he can still be, but his 99 this past weekend means there is still money to be made on him. It raises the question of whether to hold or not. When he’s scoring better than Petracca the mind does wander into unchartered territory, should I hold him? Could he be a keeper at M8? Is there an elite premium I can reach this week or next because of him?

The same goes for those who have Tommy Highmore in their team. Wowee, what a ride coaches with him have had. And yep, I’m one of them. The win this week was his amazing 111, which tends to happen when players are in the position they’re build for. But, he could now be a helpful D7. You see, I’m second-guessing myself now again. What to do.

With this being the final round of byes it may well be an ugly round of scores, which I know many coaches are trying to come to terms with. Alternatively, it could be an opportunity to jump spots and win those league games. Whatever the case may be for you, I hope you ride the ups and downs in style (and with perspective).

Toward the middle to end of the week the cherry on top of what has been a horrendous season for those of us in Melbourne was an amazing storm that went through the suburbs. A number of people have been impacted, many still without power, including a few of the Coaches Panel team. But perhaps for those of us who have been following the ups and downs of Tommy Highmore the cherry on top of our bye-round strategy was to see him playing in his right position and knocking up a ton. Wowee. I know a number of coaches traded him out to bring in Lachie Whitfield, but it ends up he comes in a scores even better than a few of our defensive lines. The irony. 

But the weekend of Supercoach joy began as Geelong and Port Adelaide got started. Dangerfield was back, albeit not performing at his best yet. Perhaps a good get in a few weeks once his BE has dropped a bit. Ollie Wines was terrific again, and is someone I’m certainly looking to bring in for the remainder of the season. Travis Boak too tonned up and continues his good season. We’re well aware of what he can do and has a good run home as well. Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan, Robbie Gray, and Dan Houston are also possible options for us. 

In the surprise of the weekend Hawthorn got up over Sydney, who just didn’t look like they could be bothered trying. Tom Mitchell showed up though and got a score of 135 for his coaches. He has had a rollercoaster of a season but is in the mix for our midfield options. He’s probably not a POD option though with 20% of coaches owning him already. 

We also can’t go past Jai Newcombne this week. Straight into the side and in a great role for him. A 75 for a debut game is an excellent score, so he’ll be a shoe-in for many coaches to help upgrade our midfields. 

Reeves, who many had drafted in was a late out. Oh boy. 

Those who didn’t have great games in this one were Isaac Heeney and Jarman impey. In forward lines already diminished it raises the question of whether we stick with one or either of them. They now have decent BE’s and have been on the lower end of scores in the last few weeks. This week provides an option to make use of the chas generation and jump elsewhere, like a Dangerfield. 

Sean Darcy is having a ripper and again had one against Gold Coast this week. He’s now the fourth best ruck in the competition. Perhaps not too relevant now but if Grundy continues to be out some decisions will need to be made. Luke Ryan too continues his great form as is another to consider for locking up your defensive line. 

Touk Miller again helps his coaches and has been an excellent choice for those who jumped on him weeks ago. Hugh Greenwood also toned up alongside David Swallow. 

Perhaps in the game of the round was the comeback by Adelaide over St Kilda. It looked like the Saints had this in the bag but then the final death nail was the goal kicked by in the final few minutes. was looking like a brilliant VC option with over 80 at half time but then didn’t do anything after that. I’ve already mentioned Highmore, but Brad Crouch has also put together some great numbers since round 7 too. 

For Adelaide Rory Laird has been excellent. Thilthorpe gets those coaches those wining goal points. And it’s worth watching Rory Sloane in coming weeks too. 

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